Former India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has stressed that wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant should not be rushed back into the game after a gap of more than a year. Gavaskar suggested that Pant should resume the captaincy for Delhi Capitals only when he is fully fit.
Rishabh Pant was involved in a car accident two years ago and is said to be in the final stages of his recovery. He's expected to make a comeback as a batsman in the IPL 2024 and will be subject to the Impact Player rule in the early stages as he completes his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy.
Speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar said:
”He certainly has the ability to think on his feet. If he gets back to full fitness, the reins of (Delhi Capitals) captaincy should be handed over to him. Let’s stay hopeful. This season is the first of him coming back to full fitness. Let’s not rush him into doing something that will be a setback. The Knee plays a pivotal role in batting as well as keeping — which, of course, he may not do initially. Maybe he won’t be the usual Rishabh Pant that we are used to seeing.”
Gavaskar said that Rishabh Pant had a tough road ahead of him to get back to his best form. He did, however, praise the wicketkeeper-batsman for taking up the training for the prestigious league.